the process of forming the list of matters that policymakers intend to address.

special election initiated by petition to allow citizens to remove an official from office before his or her term expires.

powers belonging specifically to the states and the people because they were not delegated to the national government nor denied to the states.

citizens choose officials who make decisions about public policy.

procedure whereby the state submits legislation to its voters for approval, allowing citizens to directly vote on issues.

a revision or change to a bill, law or constitution

all voters of a state or county elect their representative

friend of the court; interested groups may be invited to file legal briefs supporting or rejecting arguments of the case

distribution of representatives among the states based on the population of each state

money granted by congress or a state legislature for a specific purpose

gives the court authority to hear cases on appeal

opposed the adoption of the U.S. Constitution because it gave too much power to the national government at the expense of the state governments and lacked a bill of rights

the first national constitution of the United States, which created a government lasting from 1781 to 1789; replaced by the current constitution

A person who was appointed by a committee as the head of the party is...

The total amount of money that is owed by the government is...

Liberties that are guaranteed to every person that can not be taken away by the government are...

It allows Congress to pass all laws needed in order to carry out their constitutional duties (i.e. Elastic Clause).

An alliance of southern conservatives and religious/ethnic minorities who supported the Democratic Party.

A supreme court decision that reaffirmed prior restraint and strengthened freedom of the press was...

The amendment that established women's right to vote was the...

The amendment that gave unenumerated rights to the people was the...

The agreement that lessened and eliminated tariffs between Canada, Mexico, and the United States was...

An election that takes place in a year without a presidential election is...

It requires states to enforce legislation without any funding from the federal government...

The supreme court decision that ruled that the 1990 Gun Free School Zone Act violated the Constitution was...

When a significant number of votes choose to no longer support a political party.

Drafted in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson, declared America's separation from Great Britain.

Government spending exceeds revenue.

Powers specifically granted to the national government by the constitution.

A system whereby the people rule either directly or by elected representation.

Minority party is able to win the support if majority party members, independents, and new voters.

An effort to shift responsibility of domestic programs (welfare, healthcare, and job training) to the states in order to decrease the size and activities of the federal government (first-order); some states have attempted to shift responsibilities further to local governments (second order).

Citizens meet and make decisions about public policy issues.

Party members vote to nominate their candidate for the general election.

A method of bringing a bill out of committee and to the floor for consideration without a report from the committee; necessary when a committee chair refuses to place the bill on the committee's agenda.

Written comments issued by a president at the time legislation is signed, making comments about the bill signed or indicating the president's attitude towards the bill and how they intend to ignore it or to implement it.

Only one representative is chosen from each district.

Guarantees rights to a speedy, public trial and an impartial jury; to confront witnesses; and to have an attorney.

Representatives from each state who formally cast ballots for the President and Vice President.

People qualified to vote

A small group of people, identified by wealth or political power, who rule in their self interest.

Allows the government to take property for public use but also requires the government to provide just compensation for that property.

The Supreme Court ruled school-sanctioned prayer in public schools is unconstitutional

Payments are made to people meeting eligibility requirements, such as through Social Security

Required studies and reports of likely environmental impacts, filed with the Environmental Protection Agency prior to the beginning of a project.

Constitutional guarantee that everyone be treated equally

All people should have the same opportunities to compete and achieve.

Prohibits the establishment of a national religion

Laws applied to acts committed before passage of the laws are unconstitutional

A brief statement on TV or radio

Leading officer in the House of Representatives, chosen by the majority party

Verbal and symbolic speech used together

Voting for candidates from more than one party in the same election

What is the unconstitutional presidential power that allowed for the president to reject a part of a bill while accepting the rest?

What is an attempt to influence policymakers using a variety of methods?

Who uses political persuasion to influence legislation and benefit his or her organization?

What is the exchange of political favors for support of a bill?

What is the belief that judges should have freedom in interpreting the Constitution?

What is the idea that the traditional majority power maintains power based on voters' party loyalty?

Who is the elected leader of the party with the most seats in the House or the Senate?

What is a district in which a racial minority group(s) comprise a majority of the district's total population called?

What are requirements imposed by the national government on state and local governments to comply with federal rules and regulations called?

What is the required spending by permanent laws called?

The "Lame Duck" amendment, sets terms and sessions of executive and legislative branches

This amendment addresses presidential succession, disability, and vice-presidential vacancies

This amendment abolishes poll taxes as a requirement for voting

What is made up of members of both houses of congress?

What holds that the Court should play and active role in determining national policies?

What holds that the Court should avoid taking the initiative on social and political questions, operating strictly within the limits of the Constitution?

This was established in Mabury v. Madison, allowing authority given the Courts to review constitutionality of acts by the executive, states, or legislature.

The authority of the Courts to hear and decide issues in certain cases

Courts created by Congress for a specialized purpose with a narrow range of authority

To reject the actions of the president or executive agency by a vote of one or both houses of Congress without the consent of the president

Standard set by the Supreme Court to measure the constitutionality of state laws regarding freedom of religion

A person whose views favor more government involvement in business, social welfare, minority rights, and increased government spending

Response from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to a newspaper letter criticizing civil rights demonstrations

The basic principle of U.S government that each person has the rights that the government can not take away.

Tests the public reaction to policy or appointments by releasing information to the media and gauging public reaction

After listening to constituents, elected representatives vote based on their own opinions

Provides for election of president and vice president by separate ballot in electoral college

Written by Anti-Federalist Robert Yates to convince the people of New York to not ratify the Constitution, suggesting that republics had to be small and homogenous- not large and diverse- to be successful and arguing that a Bill of Rights was a critical part in the protection of the people's liberties.

A systematic way of organizing a complex, large, administrative structure with responsibility for carrying out the day-to-day tasks of the organization, departments, and agencies of the government.

The hierarchical structure and standardized procedures of government allow bureaucrats to hold the real power over public policy; proposed by Max Weber.

Government departments headed by presidential appointees to help establish public policy and operate a specific policy area of governmental activity.

Election campaigns and other political processes in which candidates, not political parties, have most of the initiative and influence.

Assistance given to constituents by congressional members, answering questions or doing favors.

Federal grants for a specific purpose defined by law

An association of congressional members who advocate a political ideology, regional, ethnic, or common interest.

Locally held meeting in a state to select delegates who, in turn, will nominate candidates to political offices.

All people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.

Determines the rules of debate for bills in the House of Representatives.

When no candidate receives a majority of votes, an election held between the two candidates who received the most votes in the primary.

Percentage of possible errors on the polling process.

This court case established the principle of judicial review

Which term means to rewrite a bill after hearings have been held on it?

All forms of communication that reach a large portion of the population.

Supreme Court decision upholding the supremacy of the national government over the states.

The Supreme Court struck down a handgun ban at the state level, using judicial precedents under the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause, strengthening citizens' rights to keep and bear arms for self-defense in your own home.

A speech or photo opportunity staged to give a politician's view on an issue.

Requires that anyone arrested for a crime be advised of the right to counsel and the right to remain silent.

A person whose views are between conservative and liberal and may include some of both ideologies.

Economic policy in which money is controlled through the federal reserve.

Allows citizens to register to vote at welfare and motor vehicle offices.

Placed limits of two terms for presidential terms of office.

Lowered the voting age in federal elections to 18.

Allows for voting rights in District of Columbia in presidential elections

Several political parties exist, but only two major political parties compete for power and dominate elections

When voters choose the candidates of either party whether they belong to the party or not.

Individuals held in great respect because of their position, expertise, or personality, who may informally and unintentionally influence others.

When a court hears and decides a case for the first time.

When Congress monitors policies of the executive branch.

A convicted person is exempt from the penalties of a crime.

Voting for candidates based upon the party to which they belong, usually voting a straight ticket.

The Supreme Court case that upheld separate but equal segregation in 1896.

Interest groups compete in the political arena with each promoting its own policy preference through organized efforts.

The approval of a policy by legislation.

Determines if a policy is achieving its goals.

Break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972 that resulted in a cover-up and the subsequent resignation of Richard Nixon

The Supreme Court ruled that Wisconsin could not require Amish parents to send their children to public school beyond the 8th grade because it would violate long-held religious beliefs.

In which foundational document does Hamilton argues the need for a strong executive leader?

In which foundational document does Hamilton address the scope of power of the judicial branch? Arguing the judicial branch maintains seperation of powers and checks and balances.

_____________ were written by Hamilton, Jay, and Madison in support of ratification of the US Constitution.

What group supported a strong national government and the ratification of the US Constitution?

Which amendment guarantees citizens' the right to vote regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude?

Which amendment addresses protections against self-incrimination, guarantees of due process, eminent domain, and grand jury indictment for capital crimes?

__________ is a strategy of giving a legthy speech while holding the floor to postpone or delay a vote on a bill used in the senate

Which amendment gives citizens the freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition?

Which amendment gives citizens the freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition?

Which of the following is the term for the national government's use of fiscal policy to influence states through the granting and withholding of appropriations?

What is a Straw Poll?

Which term describes the view that justices should base their base their decision of a narrow interpretation of the Constitution?

What term describes the policies of government or the subject matter of the laws determining what the law is about and whether the law is fair?

In which foundational document does Hamilton argues the need for a strong executive leader?

Informal practice by which a senator informs his or her floor leader that he or she does not wish a particular bill or other measure to reach the floor for consideration

Democracy seen as a system of many groups pulling the government in many different directions at the same time, causing gridlock and ineffectiveness.

A consistent set of beliefs by groups or individuals

Bringing charges of wrongdoing against a government official by the House of Representatives

Not expressed, but may be considered using the Necessary and Proper (Elastic) Clause

Refusal of the president to spend money Congress has appropriated

Application of portions of the Bill of Rights to the states under the Fourteenth Amendment

The Supreme Court ruling that most guarantees in the Bill of Rights are applicable to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment

Small changes in policy over long periods of time; usually in reference to budget-making -- that the best indicator of this year's budget is last year's budget plus a small increase

Tendency of those already holding office to win reelection due to advantages of currently holding that office

Abolishes Slavery

Abolishes Slavery

Agreement that each salve counted as 3/5 of a person in determining representation in the House of Representatives and for taxation

Limits that the government can impose on the occasion, location, and type of individual expression in some circumstances

The Supreme Court ruled that reapportionment challenges are not political questions if brought under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment

A legislature divided into two chambers; Congress has the Senate and the House of Representatives

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing certain rights and liberties to the people

A law proposed by legislature

Finding a person guilty of a crime without a trial; prohibited under the constitution

Voters may vote for candidates of either party

Money given to states for general programs with a broad category

The returning of a case to a lower court because a similar case was recently decided

Requirement that a case can only be heard by the Supreme Court if four justices vote to hear the case

An addition or amendment added to a bill that often has no relation to the bill but that may not pass on its own merits

Supreme Court decision that reaffirmed the recognition of a constitutional right of privacy for a woman to determine whether to terminate a pregnancy, while recognizing that the state may have compelling interest in maternal life and health

Giving money back to state and local government with no strings attached

Supreme Court decision that overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, ended legal segregation, stating that school segregation is unconstitutional

What is the motion that prevents filibustering and ends debate in the Senate by a three-fifths vote?

What is the effect where lesser-known candidates from a president's party benefit from the president's popularity?

What compromise resolved the between northern and southern state; that Congress could not tax exports nor ban the slave trade for 20 years?

What is the phrase describing paying women equal salaries to men for equivalent job responsibilities?

What is the jurisdiction to hear cases that is shared by the federal and state courts?

What is the term for powers shared by the federal and state governments?

What is the term for justices who agree with the majority's opinion but not with the reason behind the decision?

What is the temporary committee that works out a compromise of a bill that has passed the House and Senate in different forums?

What is the term for state legislatures drawing congressional districts for states with more than one representative?

What compromise settled the disputes between the states over the structure of the legislative branch?

A person who's political views favor local, limited government, less regulation, and conformity to social norms and values, and is tougher on criminals

Casework; assistance to constituents by congressional members

All residents of the state for senators, all residents of the district for House members

The document setting forth the laws and principles of the government: a plan of government

Federal courts created by congress under Article 3 of the Constitution, including district courts, Courts of Appeals, and specialized courts

Laws relating to the interpretation of the constitution

cooperation among federal, state, and local federal government: "marble cake"

Federal courts that review decisions of federal district courts, regulatory commissions, and other federal courts

Sharp changes in existing patterns of party loyalty due to changing social and economic conditions

Party loyalty becomes less important to voters, and they vote for the other party candidate or independent.

The practice of allowing senators from the president's party who represent the state where a judicial district is located to approve or disapprove potential nominees for the lower federal courts

Practice by which power is separated among three branches of government; each branch has its own power and duties and is independent of and equal to the other branches

Established direct election of senators by popular vote

Preserves the right to a jury trial in civil cases

System in which the chairmanship of a committee is given to the member with the longest continuous service

The total spending amount set by the government through appropriations bills. INCLUDING operating expenses and government salaries.

Also called "Layer Cake Federalism," - Federal and State governments each have defined responsibilities within their own spheres of influence.

Unfair treatment of a person based on race or group membership.

Justice or Justices who disagree with the majority opinion

Ensures no excessive bails or fines, nor cruel and unusual punishment

Being tried twice for the same offense

One party controls the executive, while the other controls one or both houses of congress

Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18

Lowest Federal Court level where cases begin and trial are held.

Guarantee under 5th and 14th amendments that all levels of government must operate within the law and provide fair procedures of law.

Voluntary agreement between Government and the people giving consent to be governed

Programs to help the elderly, ill, and unemployed if the claimant has paid into them

Money distributed by a national arty organization that was not regulated by law

Government program to enhance quality of life

A rule stating that evidence acquired as a result of an illegal act by police cannot be used against the person from whom it was seized

An agreement with another head of state not requiring approval from senate

Orders issued by the president that carry the force of law

The right of the president to withhold information from congress or refuse to testify; limited by the Supreme Court in the U.S. v. Nixon

States may return fugitives to a state from which they have fled to avoid criminal prosecution at the request of the state's governor

The amount of money the government expects to receive and authorizes government to spend for a fiscal year

Power is divided between the states and the federal government

A division of governmental powers between the national government and the states

Madison suggest that the union under the new constitution is a safeguard against factions, defined factions, and argued to either eliminate factions by removing their causes, or limit their impact by controlling their effects

Madison argues that the government under the new constitution will not become too powerful because the separation of powers will keep each branch in check

A permanent committee

Voting for candidates of all the same party

A rule stating that evidence acquired as a result of an illegal act by police cannot be used against the person from whom it was seized

An agreement with another head of state not requiring approval from senate

the crafting of a policy to resolve public problems

carrying out a policy through government agencies and courts

extension of an interest group that contributes money to political campaigns

issues that merit action, as determined by the public or those in power

a set of basic values and beliefs about ones country or government that is shared by most citizens and that influences political opinions and behaviors

belief that a person can influence politics and public policymaking

a consistent set of beliefs about politics and public policy that sets the framework for evaluating government and public policy

voluntary association of people who seek to control the government through common principles, based on peaceful and legal actions such as the winning of elections

increasing ideological differences between the parties which creates a distance where members of political parties vote along party lines and become less likely to cross party lines to vote with the other party

the Supreme Court ruled that Amish children weren't required to go to public school beyond 8th grade because it violated long-held religious beliefs

a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the __________ building in 1972 resulted in a cover-up and the subsequent resignation of President Nixon.

complex process by which people get their sense of political identity, beliefs, and values